Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the mastersons bar review wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to additional reading find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .